School of Arts and Humanities News

Staff Awards Recognize Outstanding Service to UT Dallas

Whenever a smoke detector or a fire alarm on campus is set off, whether it is during the day or at three in the morning, Rey Salinas is one of the first to respond.

Salinas, who works with the department of Environmental Health and Safety at UT Dallas as the occupational general safety coordinator, was recognized alongside five other staff employees during the semi-annual CARE Awards ceremony this month.

President David E. Daniel presented each award recipient with a clock and certificate of appreciation.

From left: CARE Award recipients Rey Salinas (Environmental Health and Safety), Elizabeth Young (School of Arts and Humanities), Arturo Elizondo (School of Engineering and Computer Science), Michelle Long (School of Arts and Humanities), Kelly McKinney (Research) and Carrilaine Schneckner (School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics) with UT Dallas President David Daniel.

“Great institutions are not made by their landscaping or buildings, but by the people that work there. Our staff not only works for the benefit of the University, but also for the greater good of our society,” said Daniel at the awards ceremony.

The CARE Award, which stands for “Celebrate Achievement – Reward Excellence,” honors staff members who have demonstrated superior performance, offered outstanding customer service and enhanced the University’s image with their work. Fellow staff members, faculty members, visitors and patrons of the University nominate them.

Michelle Long, the graphics designer for the School of Arts and Humanities, was recognized for her eleven years of service.

“I simply enjoy coming to work everyday and interacting with the creative faculty, students and staff members that make up UT Dallas. Receiving the CARE Award affirms that even more,” said Long.

Other recipients include:

Arturo Elizondo, who when he is not working as an academic advisor in the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science is hard at work on an EdD in higher education.

Kelly McKinney, assistant director in the Office of Research, who was applauded by her supervisor for “working 24 hours a day.”

Carrilaine Schneckner, administrative asssistant for the Chemistry Department, who was described as “always cheerful and optimistic.”

Beth Young, assistant to the dean in the School of Arts and Humanities, who oversees hiring of part-time lecturers and facilitates faculty searches. She is also the main point of contact for annual faculty reviews and the Advisory Council for the School of Arts and Humanities.